Reclaiming her ( Forgotten Sons book 1)

Chapter 6

Lacey

I couldn't sleep last night. My dreams were like memories resurfacing now that I'm back here.

After the furniture got delivered yesterday, Tara and I spent the afternoon catching up while Cass started to decorate her room. As the evening went on, Tara caught me up on her life here and how she is loving teaching at the local kindergarten. Eventually, we ordered Thai food for dinner and sat watching a Disney movie with Cass while we ate.

By the time it had finished, Cassidy was fast asleep on my lap. Tara headed home as I carried my daughter up to bed, promising she would be back in the morning to help with the furniture. I have a feeling she is more interested in seeing Chase again after the way I saw her looking at him earlier.

Once I had put Cass in bed and got back into my own room, I did my usual night routine before climbing into bed. I was so tired from being out all day and then catching up with my friend, but for some reason, my mind just wouldn't stop. I can't stop wondering if Nate still lives here and whether or not I would run into him at some stage. Logically, with me having the bakery, the chance of seeing him would be pretty high. I just hope he can understand that I didn't leave by choice, and contacting him would've made his life harder.

By the time the sun came up, I was exhausted. I think I dozed on and off between my mind and its thoughts of the guy I loved. Dragging myself out of bed, I head straight for the shower, hoping it will help me wake up. Hopping out, I dry myself and wrap a towel around me while I blowdry my hair. When it's finally done, I throw my auburn waves up into a messy bun and quickly add a coat of mascara to my lashes in a poor attempt to look alive. Lastly, I get dressed in my black yoga pants and crop top, not bothering with anything fancy. We are moving furniture today after all.

Peeking into Cassidys' room, I see my little girl still sound asleep, so quietly I close the door before heading downstairs.

Turning on the coffee machine, I wait while it heats up before pouring a steaming hot cup for myself. Sipping on the liquid heaven, I glance in the fridge before pulling out eggs, milk, and butter. Next, I grab sugar and flour from the pantry, deciding pancakes will make a nice breakfast.

Once I've made the batter, I get to work cooking, sipping my coffee as I do.

Just as I finish putting the last pancake on the plate, Cass comes running into the kitchen with a huge smile on her face. "Pancakes! My favourite!" She squeals as I slide a plate in front of her. Pouring syrup everywhere, I smile as I watch my daughter dig in. Over breakfast, Cass tells me how she is hoping to finish decorating her room today with Ellie's help. It brings me so much joy to see her already have a friend here.

As we are cleaning up the breakfast dishes, a knock comes at the front door. Cass runs to answer it as I follow behind to see who is here. I assume it is Tara, but just in case, I don't want Cass opening the door alone. As my daughter opens the door, we are greeted by a very excited Ellie and her dad.

" Sorry, I hope we aren't too early. Ellie couldn't wait to see Cassidy." Chase says, looking a little embarrassed.

" Not too early at all, come in. Cass was hoping Ellie would help her decorate her room." I say, leading them down the hall and into the kitchen.

" Can I take Ellie up to my room, mum?" Cass asks, and I nod, giggling as the two girls go racing upstairs. " Coffee?" I ask, turning my attention back to Chase. " Yes, please." He says as I pour us both a cup. " Thank you for coming to help today. You really didn't have to." I say, handing him a cup. " It's not trouble at all, really. Plus, Ellie seems to really like you guys, and to be honest, it's nice seeing her around females for once." Chase looks away as if he didn't mean to say the last part out loud.

" I get it. Cass has only ever had me and my aunt, so she's not really been around men much. If you don't mind me asking, how old was Ellie when her mum passed?" I ask, hoping I'm not overstepping.

" It's all good. Kate d*ed a few days after having Ellie. It had been a pretty scary pregnancy with a few issues. Unfortunately, the doctors had missed a large clot sitting under the placenta. She never got to meet Ellie. I'm just so grateful for my brother and his best mate. They have helped so much over the years. What about Cassidy? Did her father pass away?" He asks, trying to change the subject as he gathers his composure.

" Cass has never met her dad either. It's kind of a complicated story, though. We were just lucky that my aunt took us in and helped me with her until now. Honestly, I couldn't even tell you if he was alive or not." I say, having no idea how to explain the situation with my parents and Nate and the fact he doesn't know about Cassidy. " You know, if Ellie ever needs girl time, she is always welcome here, and the same goes for you. If you need help with and girl related 'issues'." I joke, trying to ease the awkwardness in the room.

We stand there drinking our coffee silently until the sound of Chases phone rining breaks the quiet. Excusing himself, Chase answers the phone, and I head into the lounge to give him some privacy. Soon, a knock at the door has me answering it to a determined looking Tara, who is dressed almost identical to me, except her blonde hair is tied back in a braid.

" Come in. Chase and I were just having a coffee before we got started. Would you like one?" I ask as we head back towards the kitchen.

" I'm good, thanks. I had a green smoothie on my way here." Tara responds as we enter the kitchen. Chase, now off the phone, looks up and smiles when he sees Tara.

" Hey Tara." Chase greets my friend with a smile before turning to me. " Um, Lace, that was my older brother letting me know he was coming to visit. I told him I was here helping you, but he's now insisting he will help too. I know you probably don't remember him from school. He was a couple of years above us. However, if you don't want him to come, I can call him straight back." Chase says, looking at me for a sign I'm okay with it. " Sure, the more hands, the easier it will be." I say, not wanting to put him in an awkward situation with his brother.

" Why don't we see how the girls are going in Cassidys' room, then we can make a start on the lounge?" The other two nod in agreement, and the three of us make ourselves way upstairs to check on the girls.